Isla Oliver, DNP, CNM, ARNP “It's just stress” is one of the most frustrating things you can hear from a provider. It doesn't help you feel better, and it doesn't tell you what to do next. But here's the thing — stress really can change your cycle. Understanding how it happens & still including ideas to manage your symptoms is a lot more useful than being brushed off with a vague phrase. The Brain-to-Ovary Chain of Command Your cycle is run by a signaling chain called the HPA

Isla Oliver, DNP, CNM, ARNP On average, it takes about 7 to 9 years from the first symptoms of endometriosis to an actual diagnosis.6 Endo a common cause pelvic pain and painful heavy periods — and has historically been one of the hardest conditions to pin down. Here’s why. What Is Endometriosis? Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in places it shouldn't — usually on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the tissue around the pelvis. But it

Isla Oliver, DNP, CNM, ARNP "Is this normal?" – a frequently googled, but seldom answered question, especially when it’s about periods. Between social media, old wives' tales, and what your mom told you at age 12, it's no wonder patients feel confused. Let's clear up what "normal" actually means when it comes to your cycle. 1. What does "regular" mean in medicine? When I ask if your periods are "regular," I'm not asking if they show up like clockwork on the same date each mo

Isla Oliver, DNP, CNM, ARNP Fall comes with many excellent reminders to be aware of our breast and chest health! Patients often come in unsure of when to start mammograms, whether their family history "counts," what screening tools they really need, or whether a medication they're taking is quietly raising their risk. I’m here to break down what the evidence actually says. What do we look at to calculate breast cancer risk? 1. Family History – Most breast cancer is not linked

Isla Oliver, DNP, CNM, ARNP "Low libido" is a phrase that gets used a lot — by doctors, on social media, and in late-night internet searches. But what does it actually mean? And when does a dip in sexual interest become something worth bringing up with a doctor? Different People Want Different Amounts of Sex There's no such thing as a "normal" level of sexual desire. It varies a lot from person to person, and it can change over time depending on stress, relationships, health,

Isla Oliver, DNP, CNM, ARNP If you have PCOS — or think you might — you may have noticed a new acronym floating around lately: PMOS. This isn't a rebrand for "clicks," and it isn't a new disease. It's the same condition you may already be living with, but with a name that finally reflects what's actually going on in your body. Let's break down what changed, why it matters, and what it means for this condition moving forward. Why the Name Changed For decades, "polycystic ovary

Isla Oliver, DNP, CNM, ARNP Understanding Fertility: A Guide for Women and Gender-Diverse Individuals in Washington State We receive a lot of messaging from a very young age about how to prevent pregnancy. This is very helpful for a long time, but it often leaves people floundering when they are ready to start a family and realize that it might not actually be as easy as they were led to believe. How do I know if I'm fertile? There are a few common signs of normal fertility t

Isla Oliver, DNP, CNM, ARNP The short answer: yes — there are many services that are just as safe, effective & thorough online as they are in person. When most people think of gynecological care, they picture a specific scenario: paper gown, stirrups, & a rushed 15-minute appointment. It's a model that hasn't changed much in decades. So it's understandable to wonder whether telehealth can really cover what you need. The truth is, virtual care can cover far more than most peop

Isla Oliver, DNP, CNM, ARNP Menopause is having a moment these days – and rightfully so! But with so much information online, and so many conflicting narratives, it’s hard to know what’s real and what is made up for “clicks”. That is where board certified providers & participating members of The Menopause Society (- that's me! -) can step in. Let’s take a look at some of the top questions patients bring to their visits, and what the evidence says about what we do, and do no

Isla Oliver, DNP, CNM, ARNP It is often daunting and overwhelming trying to choose someone to trust with vulnerable topics like your pelvic and chest/breast health. This is especially true for transgender and gender non-conforming people who are at increased risk of very real harm in the healthcare space. The good news is that there are resources to help you find the right provider for you. When you choose a provider, remember that you are entering a working relationship de